Good attitudes, work ethic, team unity and experienced players will be the team strengths as the Lawrence County Cougars kick off their season Aug. 9, hosting a softball jamboree.

Participating in the Lady Cougars softball jamboree is Franklin County, Bogue Chitto, Brookhaven, Raleigh and South Pike.

The Lady Cougars will have five seniors providing leadership with Lexie Johnson, Cheyenne Long, Madison Hyde, Jamie Martin and Tiera Collins.

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming season,” said LCHS coach Meleah Howard. “We had a really good season last year by winning our district and making it deep into the playoffs, but I would like to see us have an even better season this year.”

Howard, 26, will be starting her third season at the helm. The Lady Cougars look to improve on last season’s 20-5-1 record. Lawrence County posted a 5-1 record in district action.

The Cougars have seven returning starters to help in the field: Madison Hyde at second base, Jamie Martin at third/first base, Lexie Johnson at left-center/right-center field, Alexsundria Thomas at shortstop, Cierra Horton at left field, Barri Rogers at pitcher and Callie Fortenberry at right field.

“We have seven returning starters, and I believe that will be our strength this year,” continued Howard. “The girls have been working hard all summer to get stronger, and I hope it will pay off for them this season.”

Jamie Martin is among the leaders returning with a .464 batting average in 2013. Alexsundria Thomas batted .417, Cierra Horton .395, Lexie Johnson .375, Madison Hyde .360, Barri Rogers .320 and Callie Fortenberry .300.

Lawrence County lost only one starter to graduation last year: first basemen Jazmin Thomas.

Assisting Howard with the 23 players on her squad is Lawrence County assistant coach and husband Marc Howard.

The Lady Cougars’ first regular home game will be the season opener against the Franklin County Lady Bulldogs, Aug. 21. The junior varsity game will precede the varsity game.

LAWRENCE COUNTY 2014 Team Roster

Seniors 

Lexie Johnson, Cheyenne Long, Madison Hyde, Jamie Martin, Tiera Collins

Juniors

Cierra Horton, Alexsundria Thomas, Jordan Harp, Barri Rogers

Sophomores

Callie Fortenberry, Sawyer Nations

Freshmen 

Josey Nations, Tyranesha Davis, Karli Bass, Maddux Kirkland

Eighth Graders 

Abbie Errington, Alyssa Lambert, Julianna Johnson

Seventh Graders 

Molly Davis, Sydney Pevey, Ashley Holden, Abbey Turnage, Raylee Ready

Lawrence County Schedule

AUGUST

9-Lawrence Co. Jamboree, 16-at Franklin Co. (classic), 19-at Bogue Chitto 5/6 p.m., 21-Franklin Co. 5/6:15 p.m., 28-Wesson 5/6:15 p.m..

SEPTEMBER 

2-Bogue Chitto 5/6:15 p.m., 4-South Pike 5/6:15 p.m., 9-at North Pike 5/6:15 p.m., 11-Brookhaven 5/6:15 p.m., 16-at West Lincoln 5/6 p.m., 23-North Pike 5/6:15 p.m., 25-at Franklin Co. 5/6:15 p.m., 27-at Brookhaven Tournament, 30-at South Pike 5/6 p.m..

OCTOBER 

2-Bogue Chitto 5/6:15 p.m., 4-at Bogue Chitto Tournament, 7-West Lincoln 5/6:15 p.m., 9-at Brookhaven 5/6 p.m.. 14-1st Round South, TBA, 18-2nd Round South, TBA, 21-South State Finals, TBA, 25-State Championship (Freedom Ridge Park).